Minnesota Autism Mom

Each month I go to a  support group. I have not found it to be anything like I expected them to be, so if you haven’t gone, I would at least try one before judging. I am not sure how long I will con’t to go. Since I have only been to 1, of course, I am not sure if all of them are similar to this one. We only get 2-5 mins to talk. Sometimes we have a speaker. It seems like what people bring up is a lot of times not the most serious of ASD parenting. Most of the time it is about what therapies people are trying and discussing the crappy financial aid issues that arise. I was very concerned about just crying thru my first one and I didn’t. I did leave feeling weird…kind of in shock that I had something going on in my life that even required a support group. With that said, here is a list of support groups. I would be happy to update this if you know of others or know if any of these are no longer active.

AuSM Support Groups

AuSM Asperger Parent Group
For: Parents of Junior High and older individuals
Time: This group meets the first Thursday of each month from 7-8:30 p.m.

2010 Schedule: January 7, February 4, March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3, July 1, August 5, September 2, October 7, November 4 & December 2

AuSM Adult Family Member with Asperger Syndrome Group
For: Adults with adult spouses, children, or siblings with Asperger Syndrome
Time: This group meets the 3nd Thursday of each month from 7–8:30 p.m.

2010 Schedule: January 21, February 18, March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16, October 21, November 18 & December 16

Adult Asperger/Autism Social Support Group
For: Adults with Asperger Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Time: This group meets the 4th Thursday of each month from 7–9 p.m.

2010 Schedule: January 28, February 25, March 25, April 22, May 27, June 24, July 22, August 26, September 23, October 28, November – TBA & December – TBA

More support groups (taken from AuSm’s site directly)

Around the Twin Cities

Anoka County
Contact: ARC at (952) 920-0855.

Autism Family support meets third Tuesday from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church (9931 NW Foley Blvd., Coon Rapids).

Bloomington

Contact: ARC at (952) 920-0855.

Autism Group meets second Wednesday from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Oak Grove Middle School, Door C (1350 West 106 Street, Bloomington). Information, education and support for families.

Chaska
Contact: Lynne Patterson at (952) 556-6960 or Michelle Tierney at (952) 556-6485.

Parents & family members with children w/ ASD attending district 112 schools.

Hopkins
Contact: HopkinsFACT@comcast.net ; http://HopkinsFACT.home.comcast.net or Craig at 952-261-9454.

FACT (Facing Autism Challenges Together) meets second Tueday from 1:00 to 2:30 pm and 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Eisenhower Community Center (1001 Highway 7, Hopkins).

Minnetonka
Contact: Judith Strommen, (952) 548-8680.

Mother’s Sharing meets first and second Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30 am and second Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at St. David’s Child Development Center (3395 Plymouth Road, Minntonka).

Osseo/Maple Grove
Contact: Shannon Ross at (763) 420-3337 ext 238.

ISD 279 Support Group. No meetings held in summer.

Southern Suburbs
Contact: Gayle at (952) 895-9724 or gayle@asdstories.com or www.asdstories.com.

Parent to Parent Support.

Spring Lake Park

Contact: Bobbie George at (763) 571-6772

Parent support for ASD meets the fourth Thursday at school district office.

Woodbury
Contact: ARC at (952) 920-0855.

Monthly support group for parents meets the second Tuesday at 7:00 pm at Family Achievement Center (8320 City Centre Dr., Suite G, Woodbury).

Audie/Aspie Get Together – Minneaplis
A support group for adults with Asperger Syndrome/HFA. Must be at least 18 years old and willing to follow group structure. Meets the third Friday of each month from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.
Contact: Ruth Elaine Hane at (612) 825-1337 or ruthelaine.hane@gmail.com.

Adults with Aspergers – St. Paul

Support group for adults with Asperger Syndrome meets second Thursday of the month from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Hamline Midway Library (1558 West Minnehaha Avenue, St. Paul).

Contact: Paul at (612) 408-0596.

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Around Minnesota

Albert Lea Autism Support
Contact: Jayne at 507-377-3029

Crookston Autism Support
Contact: Andrea at 218-281-9438 or areynolds@riverviewhealth.org

Mankato Area Autism Parent Support Group

Meets every 3rd Thursday at Perkins on Madison Ave.

Contact: Linda Wilson (507) 420-3402 or wilson@hickorytech.net

Rochester Area Support
Contact: ARC at (507) 287-2032 or 1 (888) 732-8520

Southeast Minnesota Adults

Support Group for adults 18 and older with ASD meets in Rochester.

Contact: Louis at (507) 282-7756 or louisjbouchord@charter.net

Southwest MN Autism Parent Support Group
Contact: Lori Wynia (507) 532-0386 or twandlw@mnns.com

Stearns County Asperger/PDD Group
Contact: (800) 562-5130

Adults with Asperger’s Support Group
Held at St. Cloud Public Library, 2nd floor conference room. Group for adults with Asperger Syndrom and their loved ones.
Contact: Rick (320) 217-5750 or Tina (320) 282-8891

St. Cloud Area Autism Support Group
Contact: ARC Mid-stateat (320) 251-7272

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For Siblings

ARC Greater Twin Cities (952) 920-0855 have support groups for siblings of children with disabilities. These groups would not be autism specific but may present a larger perspective.

List supplied from Autism Speaks

ANSWER (Aspergers Network Support) 12930 30th Ave. N Plymouth, MN 55441 763 227 5059 aspergersmn.org Contact: Mrs. Theresa Namie tnamie@aspergersmn.org
Autism Society of Minnesota 2380 Wycliff Street Suite 102 St. Paul, MN 55114 651 647 1083 Fax: 651 642 1230 www.ausm.org Contact: Laurie Dixon ldixon@ausm.org
Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota 2525 Chicago Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55404 612 813 6777 www.childrensmn.org Accepts some insurance.
Counseling Psychologists of Woodbury 7616 Currell Blvd Suite 185 Woodbury, MN 55125 651 739 7539 mitchcpw@yahoo.com
Counseling Services of Southern Minnesota 116 South 3rd Street Saint Peter, MN 56082 507 931 8040 www.counseling-services.org
Courage Center Burnsville 100 Cobblestone Lane Burnsville, MN 55337 952 898 5700 Fax: 952 898 5757 www.couragecenter.org Courage Center provides services for children and teens with autism at its Golden Valley, Stillwater, Burnsville and Forest Lake locations, as well as at camps in rural Minnesota. Services offered include: speech-language therapy, augmentative communication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, sensory integration, transition to adulthood, drivers assessment and training, vocational rehabilitation and camping. Client.Services@CourageCenter.org
Courage Center Forest Lake 146 North Lake Street Forest Lake, MN 55025 651 464 5235 Fax: 651 464 3547 www.couragecenter.org Courage Center provides services for children and teens with autism at its Golden Valley, Stillwater, Burnsville and Forest Lake locations, as well as at camps in rural Minnesota. Services offered include: speech-language therapy, augmentative communication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, sensory integration, transition to adulthood, drivers assessment and training, vocational rehabilitation and camping. Client.Services@CourageCenter.org
Courage Center St. Croix 1460 Curve Crest Blvd. Stillwater, MN 55082 651 439 8283 Fax: 651 439 0576 www.couragecenter.org Courage Center provides services for children and teens with autism at its Golden Valley, Stillwater, Burnsville and Forest Lake locations, as well as at camps in rural Minnesota. Services offered include: speech-language therapy, augmentative communication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, sensory integration, transition to adulthood, drivers assessment and training, vocational rehabilitation and camping. Client.Services@CourageCenter.org
Natural Options 38944 Co. 7 Blvd. Goodhue, MN 55027 507 824 3345 We are a home based business in supporting families with disabilities in resource and referral and more importantly natural nutrition support and alternatives, started by a former special education teacher. I believe it is important to support each other in raising children. A lot of times it is as simple as sharing stories resources and connecting each other to find the supports you need. Contact: Anita Otterness anita_otterness@shakleeoffice.net
PACT Institute 10903 Excelsior Boulevard Hopkins, MN 55343 952 224 0707 Fax: 952 224 1612 www.pactinstitute.com
Pediatric Consultation Specialists, PLLC 3021 Harbor Lane North Suite 210 Plymouth, MN 55447 763 559 7050 Fax: 763 559 7060 www.pediatricconsultationspecialist s.com We provide diagnostic evaluations and treatment for autism spectrum disorders, starting at age 3. Our psychologists are trained in the Autism Diagnostic Observation System (ADOS). Contact: Sandy Sondell info@pediatricconsultationspecialists.com
Project Aspire 5407 Excelsior Blvd., Suite B St. Louis Park, MN 55416 612 940 3598 www.project-aspire.com Specializes in helping families prepare and deal with having a child on the autism spectrum. Contact: Vanessa info@project-aspire.com
REACH for Resources 1001 Highway 7 #217 Hopkins, MN 55305 952 988 4177 Fax: 952 988 6728 www.reachforresources.org Contact: Executive Director, Mary Perkins
Sib Shop Arc Mower Austin, MN 55912 507.433.8994 www.arcmowercounty.org
Sibshop Children’s Hospitals and Clinics (Minneapolis and St. Paul) 2525 Chicago Ave. S Minneapolis, MN 55404 612 813 7127 Our Sibshop has been geared to siblings of children with medical needs. Contact: Christi Kegley, Child Life Specialist christi.kegley@childrenshc.org
Sibshop Arc Central Minnesota 6112 – 322nd St. St. Cloud, MN 56303 320 240 9550 www.thearcofminnesota.org Contact: Bev Kaler arccentral5@aol.com
Sibshop Arc Southeastern Minnesota 2200 2nd Street SW Suite 101 Rochester, MN 55902 507 287 2032 Contact: JoAnn Lawler Individual & Family Advocate jlawler@arcse-mn.org
Sibshop Arc West Central Minnesota 810 4th Avenue South Room 141 Moorhead, MN 56560 218 233 5949 We serve sibs in both Fargo and Moorhead Contact: Stacey Butenhoff Sibshopsfargo@yahoo.com
Sibshop Arc Greater Twin Cites 4301 Highway 7 Suite 140 Minneapolis, MN 55416 952 920 0855 www.arcgreatertwincities.org Contact: Charlie Yanisch/Deb Kohlhardt charliey@arcgreatertwincities.org; deborah@arcgreatertwincities.org

ABA Therapy (what is ABA???)

Autism Matters 11900 Wayzata Blvd. Suite 228 Minnetonka, MN 55305 952 544 0349 www.autismmatters.net Contact: Tara Bertone tbertone@autismmatters.net
Holland Autism Pediatric Center 810 Excelsior Blvd Excelsior , MN 55331 952 401 9359 www.hollandcenter.com The program is a GFCF, chemical free environment that offers ABA, speech, OT, Music and HBOT Therapy to children ages 2-12. Contact: Troy Fry, MA BCBA tfry@hollandcenter.com
Minnesota Early Autism Project, Inc (MEAP) 7242 Forestview Lane North Maple Grove, MN 55369 763 425 0792 Fax: 763 425 4615 www.meapkids.org MEAP is an in-home treatment program for preschool age children with autism spectrum disorders based on the principles of Intensive Early Behavior Therapy (IEBT). Contact: Lisa Barsness or Kate Schutt lbarsness@meapkids.org
The North Shore Behavior Analyst 622 Spear Ave. Duluth, MN 55803 320 279 8401 Experienced behavior analyst who specializes in the treatment of challenging behavior, verbal behavior, play skills, socialization, self-help skills, and more. Contact: William Meyer mewi0701@stcloudstate.edu

Behavioral Dimensions
415 Blake Road
Suite 240
Hopkins, MN 55343
952 814 0207
www.behavioraldimensions.com
office@behavioraldimensions.com

LIFE Midwest Treatment Headquarters
2925 Dean Parkway
Suite 300
Minneapolis, MN 55416
612 925 8365
612 281 8331
Nebraska Office 402 328 0283
Fax: 612 925 8366
www.lovaas.com
Contact: Kristy Oldham
koldham@lovaas.com

MAC – Minnesota Autism Center
5710 Baker Road
Minnetonka, MN 55345
952 767 4200
Fax: 952 767 4211
www.mnautism.org
The Minnesota Autism Center’s Mission is to promote and provide intensive home, school and center-based behavioral therapy to children, youth and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. MAC currently services children and youth ages 2 to 21 throughout the state of Minnesota through a variety of programs.
info@mnautism.org

PIE Partners In Excellence
14301 Ewing Avenue
Burnsville, MN 55306
952 746 5350
Fax: 952 746 6131
pieofmn.com
We are a provider for ABA and Verbal Behavior Services. We have 2 sites and serve children 1 -10 years old. Some insurance companies pay for services.
Contact: Deb Thomas
dthomas@pieofmn.com

PIE Partners In Excellence
2344 Helen Street N
North St. Paul, MN 55109
651 773 5988
Fax: 651 773 5978
pieofmn.com
We are a provider for ABA and Verbal Behavior Services. We have 2 sites and serve children 1 -10 years old. Some insurance companies pay for services.

Lazarus Project

3021 Harbor Lane N

Suite LL105

Plymouth, MN 55447

Fax: 763-519-1198

Floortime/DIR (What is Floortime?)

Celebrate the Spectrum 5611 Chicago Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55417 612 298 8037 www.childplay-asd.com “Celebrate the Spectrum” Child and Family Service Center provides individual and group parent/child interaction and parent education sessions as well as home-based intervention and consultation for young children with autism and their families. Anne is an Autism Specialist and Consultant with over 21 years of experience and is a Level III DIR/Floortime practitioner. CTS services are based on the developmental, individualized and relationship-based approach of the DIR /Floortime model. Anne provides professional development and training in Understanding Autism, Addressing Challenging Behaviors from a Sensory Processing Perspective, the DIR Floortime Model, and Autism and Cross- Cultural Sensitivity. Contact: Anne Harrington harringtonab@yahoo.com	N/A map
Kaleidoscope Interactive Developmental Services 3033 James Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55408 612 220 1642 www.kidsconsulting.org Contact: Michelle Suarez michelle@kidsconsulting.org	N/A map

RDI

Leanne Mairs, MSW, LICSW
Crossroads: Solutions for Life, L.L.C.
Maplewood, MN
612 812 0493
www.crossroads-solutions.net
leanne@crossroads-solutions.net

Mariko Ortner, B.A.
Creating Connections, Inc.
Bloomington, MN 55425
952 854 5665
Also speaks Japanese.
mortner@comcast.net

Fraser Autism Program
Fraser Child & Family Center
3333 University Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612 331 9413
Fax: 612 728 5301
www.fraser.org
Each year, Fraser works with thousands of families affected by autism spectrum disorders. Fraser provides evaluation, direct services, information, and support for children, adults, and their families. Our programs are nationally recognized for their high quality and innovation, and our staff is skilled and caring.
fcfc@fraser.org